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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fresh, accessible, transformative, September 25, 2009
This review is from: The Transformation Study Bible--Hardcover (Hardcover)
Bestselling novels are often printed in a variety of formats throughout their lives in print. Hardcovers, paperbacks, first editions, 10th anniversary editions, deluxe editions etc. can all be expected for blockbuster classics. Is it any wonder then, that the world's all-time #1 bestselling non-fiction title - the Bible - is available in such a plethora of translations, formats, editions, and so on?
The newly released Transformation Study Bible from David C. Cook combines the fourth best-selling Bible translation (2008/2009) - the New Living Translation or NLT - with Bible teacher Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's highly respected commentary. The NLT is a modern English translation of the Bible, featuring easy-to-read language, and is based upon a translation method that relies both upon formal equivalence techniques (word-for-word), and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought).
This being my first encounter with an NLT Bible, I was quite pleased with the easy-to-read, yet accurate text. After reading several important passages, I've found that this version supports a literal seven-day creation period, and in no way detracts from God's absolute sovereignty and authority over the earth and all that is within it. Though this is certainly a given for long-time NLT readers, the modern equivalencies of weights, measurements, time, etc. are a huge blessing. Easy to read without a Bible dictionary at hand for looking up formulas for translating these antiquated measurements into ones I'm familiar with, this is incredibly convenient (original measurements and such are provided in the footnotes.)
After satisfying myself with the content and theological basis of the translation itself, I turned my attention to Wiersbe's commentary. Drawn from his vast collection of popular "Be" series titles - 50 expositional Bible studies which focus upon the application of God's word to the lives of believers - this commentary is the result of over 30 years of work. I found Wiersbe's commentary to be both helpful, and accurate; whether dealing with Paul's theological writings in Romans, or narrative stretches of scripture, Wierbe's explanations are clear and balanced.
Bible `extras' include cross-references in the center column (I love these), words of Christ in red, a small, standard selection of full-colour Bible maps, preaching outlines by book, and a very respectable dictionary/concordance - the most comprehensive built-in concordance I've seen. Formally structured book outlines provide an overview of the pain points and occurrences within each portion of scripture. A conversational introduction to the book, and "Be Transformed" section help readers to discern the meaning of the book, and its potential to apply directly to their lives. The "Catalyst" sections spread throughout the text do an excellent job of focusing in on the "big picture", the overarching themes of God's plan, illumining the personal relevance of important events and sections of scripture.
Incredibly accessible, I highly recommend the Transformation Study Bible for anyone who may have read through certain portions of the Bible and wondered how what they were reading fit into God's larger plan, or how the text applied to their spiritual growth. I've only just skimmed the surface of this large volume (2300+ pages), but I'm looking forward to reading through the Bible with an increased sense of meaning, depth, and personal relevance as I continue to explore its pages.
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15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Transformation Bible, September 4, 2009
The Transformation Study Bible
Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe General Editor
2009
David C Cook
Non fiction/Bibles/Study
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
The Transformation Study Bible (hardback) was sent to me to review. I love reviewing Bibles! There is nothing that can beat that new Bible smell or feel. Not even a new car smell, can compare with a new Bible smell. I know your probably laughing at me already, but I assure you this is true, for me anyways.
The Transformation Study Bible is a large Bible, one that you might not want to carry everywhere, due to its size, but a wonderful Bible for at home studying. Over 2300 pages long, it has every study tool imaginable. It concludes with colorful maps, a section for personal notes, an index of preaching outlines, and an in-depth dictionary and concordance.
While flipping thru and reading sections of the book of John, which is my favorite book in the Bible, these are the things that jumped out at me. The things that make The Transformation Bible, more than an ordinary study Bible. First of all, each book, has an overview of that book. The overview tells the history, the setting, and who the book was written for. It will be very helpful in helping you understand the particular book of the Bible you are reading. Next there is a section that tells you what the theme is for that book of the Bible. For the book of John, the theme was "be transformed." As you delve into the book, you have cross references, textual footnotes, and commentary by verse. Each book also contained commentary sections called Catalyst sections. These Catalyst sections are additional commentary and history behind sections of that book of the Bible. For example in John 3, there was a Catalyst called Transformed by Jesus, that was about Nicodemus. In John 15, there was a Catalyst titled Living in the True Vine. These Catalysts are dispersed through-out the entire Bible.
The Transformation Bible is a wonderful study tool, a great addition to any home library, and an invaluable tool to pastors, teachers, and anyone with a passion for studying the Bible. 2318 pages
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
All-in-One, September 25, 2009
If you're looking for an all-in-one study Bible, this just might be it! It's got cross referencing, a fairly-lengthy concordance, commentary for deeper insights into specific passages, maps, and book outlines and overviews. And my favorite part of this is the Catalyst Notes, or notes that aid the reader in personalizing and applying scripture in their own lives.
Having done inductive Bible study before, where you review a Bible book and analyze it phrase by phrase in a group setting, I must say this Bible is perfect for such a setting. You get a whole lot of insight and information packed into one book without having to lug a whole library around.
While the NLT, or New Living Translation, is not my first choice version of the Bible, I do find it easy to understand. I was interested in reading the process behind it, and appreciated the fact that it was intentionally translated for reading aloud.
Thanks to David C. Cook for the review copy of this book, and for providing another resource that makes Bible study easier and more enlightening.
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